2009 Subaru Impreza WRX

If at first you don't succeed...simply re-do the car the following year.

Most on staff here at R&T were big fans of the first-generation Subaru Impreza WRX that came to the States. We even had one as a long-term car, and not only was it fun to drive, but it was quite sturdy as well. Sure, it was a little rough around the edges — plenty of turbo lag, slightly harsh ride, cheap-looking interior — but honestly, those traits were also part of its charm.

Since we loved that car so much, we were certainly looking forward to the completely reworked 2008 edition. We weren't sure about the hatchback styling, although the convenience of the hatchback itself made sense. Plus, the true reason the hatchback bodystyle was added to the mix — to make a better rally car (due to far less rear hangover) — is so dang cool.

Unfortunately, in a bid to gain more "mainstream" buyers, Subaru chose to soften the 2008 WRX — softer suspension, smoother styling, power moved lower in the rev range. And we didn't like it nearly as much. Plain and simple, the fun had been taken away. Apparently prospective buyers felt the same way, because in an almost unheard-of turn of events, Subaru has given the car an overhaul again for 2009.

First the engineers addressed the engine, increasing the power of the 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder by fitting a larger turbocharger, increasing the boost (from 11.4 psi to 13.3), optimizing the catalytic converter and installing a larger-diameter exhaust with a 30-percent increase in flow. Power jumps from 224 bhp at 5200 rpm to 265 bhp at 6000 rpm, with torque increasing from 226 lb.-ft. at 2800 rpm to 244 lb.-ft. at 4000 rpm. While we can't yet legitimize Subaru's claim of 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, we can tell you after our first drive in the car that it revs freely all the way to redline without falling flat on its face like last year's car. It simply delivers loads of smooth power at all times. And it actually doesn't feel that far off the STI. A Subaru source even hinted the new WRX is making more than the claimed 265 bhp.

The suspension has been improved by adding 43-percent-stiffer front springs and 42-percent-stiffer rears, along with the front anti-roll bar increased from a 20-millimeter diameter to 21, and the rear from a 15 millimeter to a 16. Subaru also added stickier (and wider — 225/45R-17s front and rear) Dunlop SP Sport 01 summer tires. Now this is more like it! This is why you buy a WRX — gone is the wallowy, marshmallow-like suspension of last year's car. This '09 WRX is much more precise and sure-footed, and has returned as a terrific back-road charger. Yet, the car's ride quality has barely suffered. I drove one of the new '09s back from the press event in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to Newport Beach, California (a 1600-mile trip, at least the slightly circuitous route I took) and I never once thought the ride was harsh or jiggly. Personally, it could even be a bit stiffer. The one thing that could be better, though, are the brakes, which heated up rather quickly around an autocross Subaru set up for us. But in real-world driving, you probably will never notice.

As for the rather bland styling from last year, the WRX for '09 will come standard with last year's optional aero package. The WRX will still be available as either a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback; the 5-door model will come standard with the STI's high-mount rear wing.

Last year's WRX will basically become this year's Impreza 2.5 GT, available only with a 4-speed automatic; the WRX will come only with a 5-speed manual. Although pricing won't be announced until August 25, figure on the WRX costing $24,999 when it goes on sale September 1, with the Impreza 2.5 GT similarly priced (despite its lower performance), due to extra-cost items such as its automatic transmission and a power sunroof coming standard.

To sum up: The 2009 WRX is what the redesigned 2008 WRX should've been. And good for Subaru for realizing this, admitting it...and fixing it!

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Road & Track participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.